I purchased "Homecoming" based on the prior three (5 Star) reviews. I have read numerous books by Elizabeth Jennings/Lisa Marie Rice and have loved them all! I just couldn't get into the format of this book. The story begins with a series of notes and emails (formatted as such) written by several characters. Had I known about the partial format of this book I probably would've passed. Not all of the book was emails/notes and the story itself was okay but it will not be a keeper for me.

This book played out for me like a Hallmark made for TV special with extreme antics to go along, yet it's great for a light pick me up. The book opens with a series of faxes and email communications to and from a very stressed and hard working Frederica, our heroine, exposing her relationships with her ruthless uncle and Mansion Hotels conglomerate Frederick Mansion, her best pal Ellen, and her colleagues. During her eight week travel stint to check on the hotel chain, Frederica's last stop is to a place called Carson's Bluff, where she's sent to negotiate a deal to take over a delapitated inn to fix up as their next business hotel. The problem is, the sleepy relaxing little town doesn't want that kind of exposure and is looking to fight it like a Walmart.

When Frederica arrives, the townspeople led by Jack, the sheriff and mayor, are ready to fight dirty, but when they see 1. the assumed male F.H Mansion is actually a very attractive female Frederica, and 2. She's as sick as a dog, their plans change and they find themselves nursing her back to health. During her recovery, Frederica falls for Jack, his family, and the town and reassesses her priorities. The only problem is just because Frederica sees the beauty of the town and the importance of preserving their lifestyle, doesn't mean she can stop the hotel chain from acquiring it. Having to go through with the acquisition anyway, she realizes she'll lose any chance of happiness with the people she's grown to love.

I could easily point out that there are some gaping holes in the story which is why I categorize it as whimiscal and light. Great secondary characters are introduced but unfortunately aren't used to their fullest potential. It reads more like something from the 80's as opposed to 2006, but at it's core it's an example of modern day issues of working hard and never attaining the american dream combined with a sensual romance to make it extremely satisfying.